How to remove the protective glass from Xiaomi Redmi 8 without scratches and damage

The protective glass on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is not only a barrier against scratches, but also an additional layer that can wear out over time, become covered with microcracks or simply lose transparency. Many users face the need to replace it, but are afraid to damage the original screen or leave traces of glue. In this article, we will learn how to properly remove glass at home without resorting to service centers.

The process of removing the protective glass requires precision and the right tools. If you act at random, you can not only scratch the display, but also damage the oleophobic coating that is responsible for easy slipping of the fingers. This is especially true for the Redmi 8, where the screen occupies almost the entire front panel, and the gaps between the glass and the body are minimal. We will look at several proven methods, from classic use of thread to modern glasses removal kits, and also tell you what mistakes are most likely to make newcomers.

Why the protective glass is difficult to remove with the Redmi 8: features of the model

Xiaomi Redmi 8 has a number of design features that complicate the process of removing the protective glass. First, the screen here is made using IPS LCD technology with rounded edges (2.5D), which means that the glass fits tightly not only to the center of the display, but also to its rounded borders. Second, the manufacturer often uses adhesives with high adhesion, which over time only strengthens.

Another problem is the oleophobic coating, which is applied to the original screen and easily damaged by careless removal of glass. If you use metal scrapers or solvents that are too aggressive, the coating can get worn off, and the screen will get dirty faster, and your fingers will stick when scrolling. UV-glue that is polymerized under ultraviolet light and requires a special approach.

  • πŸ”Ή Rounded edges of the screen (2.5D) complicate the shaking of glass around the perimeter.
  • πŸ”Ή High adhesion of glue - over time, the glass "sticks" to the display.
  • πŸ”Ή Oleophobic coating is easily damaged by abrasive materials.
  • πŸ”Ή UV-The glue in some glass models requires heating or UV lamps to soften.

In addition, Redmi 8 often has black-framed glass on the edges that masks the bezel of the screen, which can be flaked or broken if unscrupulously removed, so before work begins, it is important to determine the type of glass and glue that was used in the installation.

Preparation for removal: what tools will be needed

To remove the protective glass from the Xiaomi Redmi 8 without damage, you will need a minimum set of tools, most of which can be found at home or bought at the nearest electronics store.

  • πŸ“Œ Plastic card or mediator - for careful slashing of glass.
  • πŸ“Œ Thread (shoulder or dental) - the classic method of "sawing" glue.
  • πŸ“Œ Scotch (paint or stationery) - for fixing glass after detachment.
  • πŸ“Œ Hair dryer or UV lamp - if the glass is glued to UV-glue.
  • πŸ“Œ Alcohol wipes or isopropyl alcohol - to remove glue residues.
  • πŸ“Œ Microfiber – to clean the screen after removal.
  • πŸ“Œ A magnifying glass or magnifying glass to control the process.

If you plan to install a new glass immediately after removing the old one, prepare a degreasing agent (such as an alcohol solution) and a vacuum cleaner or an antistatic wipe to remove dust. It is important to work in a clean, well-lit room to avoid getting garbage on the screen.

πŸ“Š How do you usually remove the protective glass?
Thread or line
Plastic card.
Dryer and heat
I'm going to the service.
Tool.AppointmentThe alternative
Plastic cardScratching glass without scratchingMediator, credit card.
Thread (leaf)"Pilite" glue between glass and screenThread, thin string.
FenSoftens the glue when heatedUV lamp (for UV-glue)
Isopropyl alcoholRemoves glue residuesOrdinary alcohol (70% and above)

If you don't have any special instruments, you can do with the tools you need, like, instead of a plastic card, you can use an old bank plastic, instead of a line, you can use a thin guitar string, as long as the materials are not metallic or abrasive.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use knives, blades or other sharp metal objects! they can leave deep scratches on the screen that will not be eliminated without replacing the display.

Method 1: Removal of glass with a thread (shore) - step-by-step instructions

This is one of the most popular and safest ways to use for most glasses, including those on the Xiaomi Redmi 8.The essence of the method is to β€œcut” the adhesive layer with a thin thread, gradually separating the glass from the screen.

You will need a line with a diameter of 0.1-0.3 mm or dental floss (not flavored!). The length should be about 30-40 cm to be conveniently held by the ends. If the glass is cracked, pre-seal it with tape so that the fragments do not fly apart.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for filament

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  1. Lift one edge of the glass with a plastic card or a mediator, and it's enough to peel off 1-2 mm to slip the thread.
  2. Put the line under the glass so that it lies parallel to the screen.
  3. Start sawing back and forth, gradually moving the thread along the edge of the glass. Don't pull too hard, the glue should cut, not come off.
  4. As the glass separates, lift it with a plastic card so that the thread does not get stuck.
  5. After complete separation, remove the remains of the glue with an alcohol napkin.

If the glass doesn't lend itself, you can slightly heat the screen with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 50-60 Β° C) to soften the glue. Don't direct the hot air into one place for a long time, this can damage the matrix.

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If the thread gets stuck, moisten it with isopropyl alcohol - this will help dissolve the glue and facilitate the process.

Method 2: Using a plastic card or mediator

This is a good way to do it if the glass has already partially gone or if you're afraid of filament, the plastic card is less aggressive, but it requires more patience, and the main rule is to take your time and not put too much effort.

Start at the corner of the screen, where the glass is usually easier to tamper with. If the edge is tightly glued, you can slightly heat it with a hair dryer for 10-15 seconds. Then gently enter the map under the glass and slowly lead along the edge, trying not to scratch the screen.

  • πŸ”Ή Start at the corner where the glass has already started to move away (if there is one).
  • πŸ”Ή Keep the map at a 30-45 angleΒ° screen-to-screen.
  • πŸ”Ή Don’t try to tear the glass off sharply – it can damage the display.
  • πŸ”Ή If the glue is too strong, combine the method with heating.

Once the glass is removed, remove the glue residues, use alcohol wipes or a special screen cleaner, and do not rub the screen with dry cloth, which can scratch the oleophobic coating.

⚠️ Warning: If the screen is sticky, do not use acetone or acetone-based solvents! They can damage the plastic elements of the housing and the coating of the display).

Method 3: Heating with a hair dryer - for glass on UV-glue

Some Redmi 8 security windows are installed using UV-It's a glue that hardens when exposed to UV light, and to soften it, you'll need either a UV lamp (for the reaction) or a hair dryer to heat it evenly.

If you don't have a UV lamp, use a normal dryer at minimum power. Heat the screen for 20 to 30 seconds, holding the hair dryer 10 to 15 cm away. Then try to tamper with the glass with a plastic card. If the glue doesn't lend itself, repeat the heat again.

What if the glass doesn’t go away even after heating?
If the glue is too strong, try combining the heating with the filament method, and you can also use special means to remove the adhesive (for example, 3M Adhesive Remover), but you need to apply them carefully, avoiding hitting the screen.

After removing the glass, be sure to clean the screen of the residue of glue. UV-The glue, it can leave sticky marks that eventually attract dust. Complete removal sometimes requires a repeat of the cleaning procedure 2-3 times.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful removal of the protective glass, many users make mistakes that damage the screen or worsen its properties.

  • 🚫 The use of metal objects - knives, blades, screwdrivers scratch the screen and spoil the oleophobic coating.
  • 🚫 Excessive heat with a hair dryer - temperature above 60Β°C can deform plastic elements of the housing.
  • 🚫 Sharp movements when breaking off glass – this can damage the display plumes or matrix.
  • 🚫 Using aggressive solvents – acetone, gasoline, or liquids to remove varnish destroy the screen covering.
  • 🚫 Work in a dusty room – dirt particles can get under new glass and spoil the view.

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 is particularly vulnerable to oleophobic coatings, which cannot be repaired at home. If you damage them when you remove glass, the screen will get dirty faster and the sensor may be less responsive to touch.

Another common mistake is not cleaning the screen completely of the glue, and the adhesive residues turn yellow over time, attract dust, and can interfere with the installation of new glass, and always check the screen from different angles for sticky spots.

What to do after removal: cleaning the screen and preparing for new glass

After the safety glass is successfully removed, you need to clean the screen thoroughly before installing a new one.

  1. Remove large glue residues with a plastic card or wooden stick.
  2. Wipe the screen with an alcohol napkin, moving from the center to the edges.
  3. Use a sticky roller (for example, to clean the camera lenses) or a tape to collect small dust particles.
  4. Blow the screen with compressed air (for example, a can of cleaning equipment) or walk through an antistatic wipe.
  5. Check the screen for scratches or damage to the oleophobic coating. If any, consider professional polishing.

If you plan to glue the new glass yourself, make sure you have a positioner (a device for precise installation) and UV-The Redmi 8 is important to align the glass in the center, because due to the rounded edges, even a slight shift will be noticeable.

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After cleaning the screen, do not touch it with your fingers - greasy traces will worsen the adhesion of the new glass.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing protective glass from Redmi 8

Can I remove the glass without heating if it is glued?
Yes, but it will take longer. Use a thread or fishing line, pre-wetting it in isopropyl alcohol. You can also leave the alcohol on the edges of the glass for 5-10 minutes to soften the glue, but heating the hair dryer still speeds up the process and reduces the risk of damage to the screen.
What if after removing the glass on the screen there are white divorces?
White divorces usually result from glue or alcohol residues. Rub the screen with a dry microfiber, then repeat the cleaning with an alcohol napkin. If the divorces do not disappear, it can be damage to the oleophobic coating, in which case only its restoration in the service center will help.
How to know if the glass is glued to UV-glue?
UV-The glue is usually transparent and hard to the touch, and if you try to tamper with a plastic card, it doesn't move away, and the glue remains elastic, it's probably just acrylic glue. UV-glue is more commonly used in service centers and requires heating or UV lamps to be removed.
Can I reuse the removed glass?
Technically, but not recommended. After removal, the glass is microcracked, the adhesive layer loses its properties, and if you want to return it, clean both sides of the glue, apply a new adhesive (like LOCITE) and gently glue it back again, but the reliability of this protection will be lower.
How much does it cost to remove glass from the Redmi 8 service center?
In official Xiaomi services, removing the protective glass costs 300-800 rubles, depending on the complexity. In informal workshops, the price may be lower (200-500 rubles), but there is a risk of damage to the screen. If you remove the glass for replacement, it is often cheaper to do it yourself.